Brussels, 04/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 4 November 2009, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into support measures for the German savings bank Sparkasse KölnBonn. At the end of 2008 and the start of 2009, the capital of Sparkasse KölnBonn was strengthened by a total of €650 million by the issuing of certificates of participation and by a so-called "silent participation," where investors receive remuneration but do not have voting rights. The coupon for the certificates of participation is 8 %. The remuneration for the silent participation is 12-month Euribor plus 7.25%. The Commission considers at this stage that, whilst the remuneration on both instruments might have been in line with the interest paid on comparable instruments until the beginning of 2008, the market for hybrid instruments had completely dried up at the end of 2008/beginning of 2009. It has invited Sparkasse KölnBonn to submit a restructuring plan. (O.L./transl.fl)